Health information systems

The course encompasses a theoretical part and a hands-on part. The theoretical part leverages book chapters, scientific articles, and online resources (including guest lectures of health industry experts) to teach the historical background of information systems in healthcare, help distinguishing redressed old concepts from fundamentally new innovations, etc. While some guest lectures are recorded, others are delivered live exclusively, to stimulate interaction between experts and students. The hands-on part aims to teach practical skills on a select number of techniques. Instead of trying to cover all aspects of the theoretical part lightly, it dives deeply into data modeling and system interoperability.

The course provides an introduction to major information technology and information management functions within our modern health system. Health data, information and knowledge is reviewed, and functionality of various systems that use this information is discussed (e.g. electronic patient records, computerized provider order entry, etc.) Process-aware information systems in the healthcare are also discussed, as well as advanced business intelligence, clinical decision support and management information systems for the healthcare. In addition to the technology, methods for acquisition, implementation and management of healthcare information systems are considered in the remainder of the course.

After following this course, the student is able to

• describe the information technology functionality that is needed in healthcare;
• explain the differences between health data, information and knowledge;
• relate the needs of the key healthcare stakeholders to requirements for information systems and platform design;
• relate the contemporary health information technology landscape in the Netherlands and in Europe to that from more general literature;
• design data models for capturing health data unambiguously;
• verify the correctness of data models by means of system prototyping;
• discuss health data interoperability techniques, such as working with APIs and data standards.

You must meet the following requirements

• Registered for a degree programme other than
• HBO-TOP Applied Physics, Pre-Master

• Articles are shared via Canvas
• Guest lectures (some live, others recorded)
• Chapters are also shared via Canvas
• Course handouts